Miami Heat’s tradition of star hunting could be in full flex as they look to revamp an offensively flawed Heat roster for the 2024-25 season. Notably, the Heat ranked 21st in offense this past season and have a clear need for another shot-creator. Let’s dive into some potential free agent targets for the Heat this off-season.
Miami Heat’s Tradition Of Star Hunting Could Include Two Former All-NBA Stars
The Heat Is On This Offseason
The summertime pursuit of big-time NBA stars is a common Miami Heat tradition. This tradition is likely to take flight again in the coming weeks as Pat Riley and Miami’s front office search for avenues to improve the Heat’s roster. This off-season could see a lot of player movement in the NBA. The trade block so far boasts a few superstars. The free agency field also holds some significant names that Miami could be interested in.
Trading for a superstar or even a reliable All-Star can’t be done without the Heat being willing to give up a couple of key players of their own. Any current hypothetical trade conversations tend to focus on Miami draft picks Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson. Jimmy Butler’s name is also in the rumor waters. However, Riley has thus far stood adamantly on not wanting to trade Butler.
The list of unrestricted free agents and players with player options includes some prominent names. So, in accordance with Miami Heat tradition, here are two less talked-about options the Heat could pursue.
DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan, the 6x NBA All-Star and 3x All-NBA shooting guard, still has much left in his game. He’s one of the best mid-range shooters in the league. He averaged 24.0 points this past season, going 48 percent from the field. He can consistently shoot from anywhere between the three-point line and the paint.
Adding DeRozan would massively improve Miami’s offense. His time with the Chicago Bulls has evidently not worked out the way he or the Bulls organization dreamed of. Chicago brought him in to play alongside former all-star Zach LaVine. DeRozan never lost his scoring touch, though. His ability to create his own shot while owning the mid-range could be a vital addition alongside Butler and Bam Adebayo. However, one possible caveat in a DeRozan/Butler pairing could be the element in which both players are elite, driving to the basket. This element could result in spacing issues. The Heat could value the scoring threat more, though, and try to sign DeRozan and figure out a way to make it work.
Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, 2x NBA scoring champion, is far from the nightly triple-double machine he decimated defenses with back in his Oklahoma City Thunder years. His appearance in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform was short-lived. As a Clipper? Westbrook’s play and team impact have been effective and positive.
Westbrook currently has a 4-million-dollar player option. If he chooses to decline and look elsewhere, the Miami Heat tradition would be to follow Westbrook’s moves and make their own. Not to mention, Westbrook’s personality and playing style would gel perfectly with the Heat culture. Yes, his offensive capabilities have waned in recent years. However, he brings energy and effort to the defensive end and would be a reliable backup to current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier. Los Angeles Clippers president Lawrence Frank has initiated interest in retaining Westbrook. If that doesn’t happen, Pat Riley should move in quickly on the 2016-17 MVP.
Will Miami Heat Tradition Prevail?
Much of the Miami Heat’s off-season spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Butler and his extension. Regardless, improving Miami’s offense is unequivocal, as is finding impactful pieces that fit the Heat culture and drive to return to the NBA championship finals. DeRozan and Westbrook are two former stars that Miami could explore.
